About me

Specialist in Relationship Counselling, Couple Therapy, Family Counselling, I also offer General Counselling for a broad range of issues including depression, anxiety and worry, bereavement, low mood and feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and stress.

Relationship counselling can be for individuals, as well as couples and groups of family members, or even friends and work colleagues who are finding it difficult to get along - and you can choose to attend on your own or with your partner/family.

I also frequently undertake less formal CPD to expand my knowledge and skills - such as reading journals and watching webcasts - to ensure my practice is up to date.

I established my private counselling practice when I moved to Dumfries in 2013. I previously lived in Durham in the north east of England, where I was a counsellor and couples therapist with Relate for 8 years. I was also a Relate trainer, delivering workshops to members of the public, professionals and volunteers. (Relate was previously known as the Marriage Guidance Council and is the largest provider of relationship support in England).

While I am a specialist in working with relationship issues, having my own practice has given me the opportunity to use my skills and experience with a wider range of clients - from employees who access counselling through their employers' assistance program, to elderly and disabled people who I can visit in their own homes if they are unable to travel.

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Parenting.Step-families.In-laws - conflicts and interference/criticism from relatives and friends.Attachment issues.Retirement, and other major life changes such as children leaving home.LGBT.Identity (e.g. people regaining their identity after bringing up their family).Communication including arguing and not speaking.Power and control issues in relationships.Impact of financial issues and debt on relationships.Impact of OCD, ADHD, eating disorders and phobias on relationships.Impact of mental health on relationships.Living with disability, and chronic and terminal illness.Impact of disability, and chronic and terminal illness on relationships.Work issues including: stress; shifts; working away; unemployment, career change: relationships with colleagues.Impact of drugs, alcohol, gambling and other addictions on relationshipsMoving on from a relationship that has ended.Being single; dating and finding love; loneliness.Jealousy.Learning from past relationships; getting out of the cycle of unhealthy relationships.Adult survivors of childhood and adult sexual abuse.Adult survivors of childhood and adult domestic violence/abuse, and neglect.

I have a particular interest in working with:People who live with disabilities, chronic illness, and pain management issues.Military personnel and veterans.People who are experiencing difficulties at work.Couples.

Fees

I can arrange a home-visit if you are elderly or disabled and would find it difficult to travel to my premises.

I also run a reduced-fee waiting list, so that people who cannot afford my full fee can access counselling and therapy.

Please phone me for a free, no obligation chat about the counselling and therapy I offer.

Further information

You will have your sessions in The Garden Room - a modern, comfortable and private counselling suite in a tranquil location, where you can relax and feel safe to talk about your difficulties and intimate problems. Accessibility: ground floor with a single 2 inch step. Refreshments provided. Toilet facilities available.